Contents

Background

Sentry Drones are very fast. When not moving, they enter stealth mode. The are also able to detect other stealth units. When upgraded Sentry Drones gain access to a 20mm autocannon. Rumor has it that the ChineseGeneral Leang also had the ability to construct sentry drones.

Game unit

Individual Sentry Drones are vulnerable to most other vehicles, and in particular enemy armour, which their machine guns are next to useless against. They take up one unit space on Chinooks allowing them to be deployed in several per transport. They are most effective at guarding supply piles and destroying unarmed dozers, supply trucks, and GLA workers.

It suffers from a delayed response to commands, making Humvees more practical to use as scouts. Sentry Drones are unarmed by default and quite costly; being limited machines, they can not gain battlefield experience and veterancy. They are, however, indeed quite useful as sentries. Positioned around a base they can detect any stealthy infantry units attempting infiltration, and then gun them down. Jarmen Kell and Hijackers, in particular, are easy prey for the drones as they have no defense against them.

Assessment

Pros

Available early in the game

Cannot be hijacked or depiloted

Stealthed when stationary

Stealth detection

Fast moving

Can be upgraded with Sentry Drone Gun to give it an anti-infantry attack

Can be upgraded with Drone Armor to improve durability

Cons

Cannot gain veterancy

Weak armor

Has a delayed response to commands

Cannot attack without Sentry Drone Gun upgrade

Trivia

The sentry drone appears to be a larger version of the TALON robot presently used by the US military, the larger size appears to be needed to accommodate the 20mm auto cannon, that it can be upgraded to.